Was surprised to find out the rounds used in the M1 Abrams are made of a plastic. That is the cartridge case portion.
When the breech is opened, the only thing spit out is the primer cup. It's about the diameter of a beer can and about 1 1/2 " high. of Everything else went out the barrel.
Yes, Damnit! The cases of our 90mm and 105mm tank rounds [some were still brass! most galvanized steel], sawed off and with handles made from a dummy .50 MG round or the handle of a M1918 LF&C brass knuckle knife brazed on, made a dandy 2-litre beer mug. And the primer tube inside was just the right diameter to serve as the body of a swell swagger stich, again using a .50 fired case, or that of a 20mm Marder or Vulcan round as the handle, culminating in a tip made out of a 7.62 [co-ax gun] or 5.56mm dummy.
